Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
For the crust, mix flour, butter, brown sugar, and salt until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
Meanwhile, whisk together pumpkin purée, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the pumpkin mixture over the baked crust and smooth the top.
In a small bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and heavy cream. Sprinkle evenly over the pumpkin layer.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pumpkin layer is set and the pecans are toasted.
Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store leftover Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars to keep the buttery crust fresh?
Once completely cooled, store your Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully; wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before freezing for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute the pecans in this recipe, or add other nuts to the Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars?
Absolutely! While pecans offer a classic flavor, you can easily substitute them with walnuts or even chopped almonds for a different texture. Ensure any substitution is roughly chopped to distribute evenly throughout the spiced pumpkin filling before baking for 30 minutes.
What's the best way to ensure the buttery crust bakes evenly before adding the filling?
To achieve a perfectly even, lightly golden crust, make sure you press the flour, butter, brown sugar, and salt mixture firmly and uniformly into the 9x13-inch pan before the initial 10–12 minute pre-bake. Avoid over-mixing the crust dough to maintain its crumbly texture.
